Search form

TRENDING:

FEATURED:

Anti-Illegal immigration group revokes backing for two House Dems

Americans for Legal Immigration PAC is revoking its support for two embattled House Democrats, one of whom touted his backing from the group during a debate earlier this month.

ALIPAC had endorsed Reps. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) and Jim Marshall (D-Ga.), but decided Tuesday to rescind and endorse both of their Republican challengers.

Marshall is facing a tough challenge from Republican Austin Scott this fall, while McIntyre is locked in a battle with Ilario Pantano. During a debate in mid-October, McIntyre touted his backing from ALIPAC as proof that he's tougher on illegal immigration than his GOP challenger.

The PAC's president, William Gheen, said the move is meant to send a message to the Democratic leadership in Washington that the party is moving toward "amnesty for illegal immigrants" and is "encouraging illegals to vote in the midterms."

While the organization still supports four other House Democrats — Reps. Gene Taylor (Miss.), John Barrow (Ga.), Peter DeFazio (Ore.) and Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Gheen said due to the close nature of the contests in North Carolina's 7th district and Georgia's 8th district, the group decided to switch its backing to Republicans who he said are more in line with the organization's goals.

After the group endorsed Republican Jesse Kelly in his bid to oust Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (Ariz.), the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee accused the PAC of having ties to "extreme groups" and assailed ALIPAC for espousing "extreme rhetoric."

The PAC has vigorously denied those charges and, along with the Kelly campaign, accused the DCCC of simply trying to distract voters.